Cosmetic Dentistry Charlotte NC
We all know that having a healthy, white, beautiful smile enhances our appearance. Few things convey warmth and confidence, like a great, bright smile. Sadly, some feel so self-conscious about their teeth that they smile with their mouths closed.
There is simply no need to feel embarrassed about one’s smile. Let our Charlotte Cosmetic Dentists help you find the best cosmetic solutions to give you the warm, engaging smile you want.
Give Your Smile a Makeover
For those patients looking to change their smile appearance, we offer the latest options for your smile makeover.
A smile makeover is a custom-designed combination of two or more cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to meet your aesthetic goals. For example, someone may wish their teeth were straighter and whiter. This person’s smile makeover may involve Invisalign and tooth whitening. Someone else may have one tooth that is noticeably smaller than the other, and their smile makeover may include a cap or veneer.
The options for a smile makeover vary by the individual’s needs and goals. It is truly a custom-made experience.
Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Options
Many people are simply not aware of what is possible today through cosmetic dentistry. In the following sections, we will explore some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options, shedding light on how each treatment works and the benefits they offer.
Whether you're looking for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic change, understanding these options can help you make informed decisions about your dental care and achieve the smile you've always desired.
Explore The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
In a world where first impressions are important, a bright, white smile can raise your confidence and improve your appearance. While there are various over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments available, professional teeth whitening is distinguished by its better safety, efficacy, and long-term results. Here's why investing in professional teeth whitening services makes sense:
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is perhaps the easiest and fastest way to really make your smile stand out. Some patients may only need that extra whitening boost to enhance one’s smile. A bright smile conveys youth, health, and confidence.
Southview Dentistry offers take-home bleaching and in-office options to whiten your smile. Most whitening treatments give the best result within two weeks. Don’t be fooled by one-day whitening options. The physiology of bleaching that will last for months takes longer than just one hour-long whitening session. Let our Charlotte cosmetic dentists help you decide the best whitening option for you.
With so many DIY teeth whitening options, some may wonder why they should invest in professional whitening. Professional whitening under the supervision of a dentist is safer and more effective. The take-home kits use professional ingredients and custom molded trays. However, some DIY trends on Tik Tok and other social media channels may damage or destroy precious tooth enamel. The modest price of an at-home kit is well worth it when it comes to the lifetime of your smile.
How Teeth Whitening Procedure Works
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the teeth whitening procedure works at a dental office like ours:
The process begins with an initial consultation in which the dentist examines your teeth and gums to determine whether you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. This involves determining whether any dental conditions, such as cavities, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity, need to be addressed before whitening.
Before the whitening procedure begins, your teeth will be carefully cleaned to eliminate any plaque, tartar, and surface stains. This allows the whitening ingredient to enter the teeth more efficiently.
Afterward, your teeth are treated by the dentist with a professional-grade whitening gel that typically contains carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Results can be achieved more effectively since the whitening agent's concentration is higher than in over-the-counter solutions.
Depending on the specific system used, a special light or laser may be used to activate the whitening gel. This activation helps to accelerate the whitening process by breaking down the peroxide, allowing oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin, and bleaching the colored substances while keeping the structure of the tooth intact.
The whitening gel is typically applied in several layers, with each layer left on the teeth for a specific amount of time, usually around 15-20 minutes. Throughout the procedure, the dentist closely monitors the process to ensure it is progressing as expected and to minimize any potential sensitivity or discomfort, of course.
Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following the whitening procedure. The dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments to alleviate any discomfort.
Veneers and Crowns
If you have questions about what can be achieved beyond just whitening for cosmetic corrections, we would love to show you how modern cosmetic dentistry can change your life.
Veneers and crowns can be a great option for those teeth that are not the correct size or are in the wrong position. If you have also thought about same day crowns vs traditional crowns we are her to answer any questions.
Teeth that are badly discolored, chipped, cracked, or mildly crooked can also be made to appear white, whole, and beautifully straight with porcelain veneers or crowns.
See our case examples of the makeovers our Charlotte cosmetic dentists have been able to help patients achieve. For many, crowns and veneers are the easiest way to achieve the smile they desire.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns and Veneers
Veneers and Crowns to Improve Your Smile
For those dissatisfied with their smile in a way that dental whitening treatments cannot satisfy, veneers or crowns may be a good alternative. Both these treatments can fully cover the surface of your tooth to renew the appearance, shape, and even function of your natural tooth. Read on to learn more about choosing between these options and what you can expect from your Charlotte Cosmetic Dentists at Southview Dentistry.
When Are Veneers Your Best Option?
Dental veneers are composed of a thin layer of porcelain or resin that’s placed over the natural surface of your tooth and bonded in place.
These veneers are perfect for treating minor chips, ridges, or other imperfections that could leave you self-conscious about your smile. “Gummy” smiles that show too much gum and too little tooth can be treated most easily through dental veneers, usually combined with a procedure to reduce the gums’ prominence.
Because they are minimally invasive and do not require much of the natural tooth to be removed, veneers are best for relatively minor dental problems. They can also be a good option for situations in which the enamel of your front teeth has been damaged enough that dental whitening treatments are no longer effective.
When the surface enamel of your front teeth wears away, the internal dentin (a yellowish color) can shine through, and no amount of whitening treatment or toothpaste will be able to manage this discoloration short of covering the natural tooth.
What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?
Veneers are ideal for addressing minor imperfections in your teeth. These are thin shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of your teeth. The procedure for applying veneers is minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of enamel to be removed. Veneers are perfect for treating issues such as discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, slight misalignment, and worn enamel. They provide a significant aesthetic improvement while preserving most of your natural tooth structure.
Crowns, on the other hand, are designed to provide strength and support for teeth that are significantly damaged or decayed. Unlike veneers, crowns encase the entire tooth, from the gum line to the biting surface. They can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. The process of placing a crown is more invasive than veneers, as it involves reshaping the entire tooth to fit the crown.
When May You Need a Dental Crown Instead?
Dental crowns and veneers are similar in form and function but generally cover more of the tooth. While veneers are commonly used on front teeth, many molars are treated with crowns. Most teeth that have been treated with a root canal, require a dental crown to rebuild the missing tooth structure and provide added strength.
Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting and are perfect when it comes to solving issues with your back teeth. These teeth do the lion’s share of chewing and grinding, having porcelain, or ceramic crowns that can match the surrounding natural teeth can be a much better choice. Large fillings are commonly an alternative to crowns but tend to weaken the tooth from the inside leading to fractures or broken teeth.
What Can You Expect From These Procedures?
All of our cosmetic procedures begin with a records appointment. This allows us to plan your treatment properly and obtain the results you were looking for. During this visit, we will take photos of your teeth and impressions. We will use these impressions to make models that will be used in the planning phase.
Then next visit, we will prepare your teeth, and you will go home in temporary crowns or veneers. This is our way of letting you test run your new teeth. We will be able to make sure you like the aesthetics of your planned smile and that they function properly.
The final appointment will be our delivery day. On this visit, your temporaries will be removed, and we will cement your final crowns or veneers.
Additional Cosmetic Options
Teeth whitening, veneers, and crowns are just a few options to transform your smile. Other possibilities include invisible teeth aligners like Invisalign to guide teeth towards a more optimal alignment.
Bonding is a dental treatment often used to fill in cracks or fractures in the teeth. Cosmetic dentists use bonding for those reasons and sometimes visually fix wide gaps or even lengthen a short tooth.
Cosmetic dentists may even use injectables like Botox to treat certain issues like tooth grinding or a gummy smile.
The best way to learn your options is by scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Talk with your dentist about your goals, what you feel self-conscious about, your lifestyle, and your budget. You may be surprised to learn what is possible!
Southview Dentistry is the leading Charlotte, NC area cosmetic dentistry practice. We can ensure that your experience is a positive one. Our experienced and caring staff can anticipate your needs and are always on hand to answer your questions, you may have about dental crowns or veneers.
We love transforming Charlotte residents’ smiles! This is our why and why we specialize in smile makeovers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dental Appointment At Southview Dentistry Today
The best way to learn your options is by scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Talk with your dentist about your goals, what you feel self-conscious about, your lifestyle, and your budget. You may be surprised to learn what is possible!
Southview Dentistry is the leading Charlotte, NC area cosmetic dentistry practice. We can ensure that your experience is a positive one. Our experienced and caring staff can anticipate your needs and are always on hand to answer your questions, you may have about dental crowns or veneers.
We love transforming Charlotte residents’ smiles! This is our why and why we specialize in smile makeovers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
